Zoom TM-01 Tri-Metal vs H&K Warp Factor?

GuitarGuy510

GuitarGuy510

Member
Messages
1,937
Hey guys,

The preamps I am currently using in my Randall cover most clean and heavy rock tones fairly well, but for metal tone I can't seem to get the XTC where I want it. I'm finally going to buy a distortion pedal and have settled between the Tri-Metal and the Warp Factor. I'm going for a Killswitch Engage-type sound, if anyone on here has heard them? Basically which one would be best for Mesa-type high gain, and will help bring out the CRAZY pinch harmonics from my guitars? Pinch harmonics are sweet but can only be made to leap from the guitar with a significant amout of metal-type gain it would seem. I have guitars equipped with fairly hot humbuckers (i.e. the WCR Herc set and the JB) so I know my guitars can handle it, I just need the appropriate gain settings. I'm also looking for the one with the least amount of noise as well? I know those seem to be the two pedals that most guys on here prefer, so any help as to which one I should pick up? There is a Zoom on eBay right now and it ends soon so any help ASAP would be awesome. Thanks guys! :dude
 
D

Devi Ever

I've heard great things about the Tri-Metal, and not so great things about the Warp Factor... other than that, I'm not sure which will help you will pinch harmonics.

devi-
 
gulliver

gulliver

Silver Supporting Member
Messages
15,634
The best thing I liked about the Warp Factor is that it talked me into buying the Tube Factor, which I really like. Both have a certain H&K vibe to them that I like, but they’re not what I would call similar pedals. The Warp factor was a fun pedal (I sold it), but very very compressed, where the Tube Factor (much more expensive) is very bouncy and dynamic, which I prefer. I think you should try the Warp Factor if you’re okay with a very compressed tone. To me, it was Recto-like, and it was easy to get pinch harmonics. I was very impressed with it, although, not my type of tone. Don’t expect a lot of EQ adjustment, but it doesn’t throw the original guitar sound too far off. The bass boost switch really gets you deep, but your amp needs to be able to reproduce it. They’re only $25 used, so it’s not a big investment. Hope this helps … although, I never played a Zoom.
 
J

JLee

Member
Messages
3,051
The Tri-Metal has a much tighter low end and much more control over eq. The Warp has a fatter, warmer tone, but a fairly loose bottom end. There's a sizzle to the tone of the Tri-Metal that I didn't care for and that I couldn't dial out, but I think it would cut through a mix better than the Warp. Kind of like a stock 5150, there's a certain "solid state" thing going on with the tone.
 
D

drbob1

Gold Supporting Member
Messages
30,788
Or start your internet search for the original Morin Preamp-just the most killer preamp in the world for pinch harmonics (think George Lynch in Ozzy). Only 15 made (I think George still owns one) and in the $400-600 range but, WOW!
 
GuitarGuy510

GuitarGuy510

Member
Messages
1,937
I found a local guitar shop that has the Warp Factor (and a return policy, fortunately....) and I picked one up. I played around with it all afternoon but it is not so great. It is almost OVERLY-compressed! I know Gulliver said it was compressed but it seemed almost ridiculous how much the tone was compressed. The other problem I had with it was the FEEDBACK! HOLY CRAP! I can run my XTC with the gain at like 2 o'clock without any feedback unless I'm playing sustaining notes (which is normal).... this on my blackface channel was just horrid. Even with the strings muted the feedback was still ringing out terribly. Anyone that has used the Tri-Metal, does it also have a feedback issue as well? I'm returning the Warp and I'm now debating if I should even bother with the Tri-Metal or if I should just save up and buy the Recto module from Randall.... :(
 
J

jj4guitar

The Trimetal for crunch and low end Metal is one of the best pedals I have heard. The H&K pedal was not impressive at all, neither were the Boss, Digitech, or some others I have tried. I do think that the Tri Metal is a little thin for lead, and really is more suited for Rythym and runs on the lower end of the scale. I play in a Metalcore band, and used the Tri-Metal for a long time. The Diezel VH4 has replaced most pedals when I am doing extreme metal. Landgraff pedals for everything else. The Mo'd Landgraff pedal voiced for humbuckers will do some serious gain and low end. It is 400.00 though, but has KILLER lead tones, but not as thick bottom end as the tri-metal. Hope this helps a little.

JJ
 
gulliver

gulliver

Silver Supporting Member
Messages
15,634
GuitarGuy510 said:
I know Gulliver said it was compressed but it seemed almost ridiculous how much the tone was compressed.
Click to expand...

I never had a problem with feedback, though. I know you ran it through it's paces, but I'm wondering if you ran it too hot. I never went past 9:00 on the distortion knob, it has unuseable crazy gain if you push it. I'm not trying to re-sell it to you, but just wanted to mention that.
 
N

NuSkoolTone

Member
Messages
1,328
Hey guitar guy welcome to TGP from the egnater forum. Since I OWN your ultra, the recto module, AND the blackface module AND a Tri-Metal (I'm one of it's advocates here) I can tell you the differences.

The recto is a little more raw than the ultra, but is still kinda warm, yet tubey and kinda fizzy at times.

The tri-metal into the blackface is BAD ASS! It is a distinctly different sound. I'm not sure if I would call it killswitch engage, it's much more edgey than that. Think more like dimebag heavy. It's THAT kind of distortion notably through the blackface. I turn the treble all the way down, and maybe 2 o'clock on th GAIN at MOST EVER! It has a LOT of gain. YOu will hae no problem getting all the pinch harmonics, sqeals and screams you want gain wise. I also roll the bass back a little, becuse it's almost TOO chunky.. but it's there if you need it. The parametric EQ is the icing on the cake as to me the mids are good flat, and you can dial in more character to the sound. Now that I think of it, you probably COULD get closer to KSE's sound if you play with the mids. I think it will still be a little tighter but will get you in the ballpark.

If you can find one at a decent price, I'd say go for it! :RoCkIn
 
D

DTWT

Member
Messages
4
I have a Tri-Metal for sale. It is in 100% perfect (brand new) condition with factory box, packaging and all paperwork. $125 delivers it to your door. ~Darin - my email is [email protected]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.



Trending Topics

Top Bottom